Sunday, 22 December 2024

Mindset man helps Docherty throw off his chains

Charlton captain Greg Docherty is using a 'mindset' coach to free himself on the field of play: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-captain-greg-docherty-ive-been-seeing-a-mindset-coach-to-help-free-myself-on-the-field/

I must admit that this is a new one to me, and possibly a bit 'New Age' for someone of advanced years, but it brings to mind Rousseau's remark 'man is born free, but he is everywhere in chains.'   If removing those metaphorical chains helps Docherty to score goals, well and good.

It occurred to me that perhaps 20 of the most miserable supporters could be allocated a free mindset coach to see if it cheered them up.

Saturday, 21 December 2024

Moaners show their ingenuity after 5-0 win

Last night I dreamt that Charlton beat Northampton 3-0, but as it turned out that was just the half time score and it ended 5-0.   Louis Mendez picks out the highlights here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-northampton-town-0-charlton-athletic-5/

What you also have to admire is the ingenuity of Charlton moaners.   First, they pointed out that Northampton were awful.   Undoubtedly the case, but you have to beat the team in front of you.

Second, they complained that Nathan Jones did not acknowledge the away support sufficiently after the game.  If this was the case, it might be understandable given all the criticism he has to put up with from fan 'experts'.   Needless to say, Jones was pleased with the win: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-very-proud-as-charlton-rip-northampton-town-apart-after-being-vilified-over-the-last-few-weeks/

Third, it was pointed out that it will count for nothing if we can't beat Cambridge United.  Well, the three points still stand and it may have given the team a much needed confidence boost.

Greg Docherty scored twice as Charlton thrashed struggling Northampton 5-0 at Sickfields.

Northampton's woeful defending was ruthlessly punished and the game was effectively done and dusted before half-time with Docherty, Tyreece Campbell and Miles Leaburn all scoring in the first 36 minutes.

Charlton led after just nine minutes when the home side failed to clear a cross and the ball dropped to Docherty, who drilled low and hard into the far corner.

Leaburn almost headed in a quick second but Charlton were dominant and they did not have to wait long to add to their lead with Campbell latching onto Leaburn's pass and finishing beyond Nik Tzanev.

Northampton were all at sea defensively and their afternoon went from bad to worse nine minutes before the break when Macaulay Gillesphey's long ball found Leaburn all alone in the penalty area and he calmly stroked home.

The Cobblers never threatened a comeback and Charlton piled on the misery with Docherty lashing his second from Luke Berry's cutback, before Danny Hylton came off the bench to score a fifth in stoppage time.

Over the festive period, to provide some non-festive reading, I am reproducing my series on what went wrong at Charlton on my Chatlton Retro site.  The first instalment takes the story as far as Dowie and Pardew: https://retrocharlton.blogspot.com/2024/12/what-went-wrong-part-1.html

Friday, 20 December 2024

Do well shod Addicks head for another dreary draw?

Charlton face the Shoe Army at Sickfields tomorrow, the Cobblers currently being led by caretaker boss Ian Sampson.  Australian Jon Brady resigned at the beginning of December.

Northampton are 19th in the table but only one place behind Charlton in the form table.  At home Northampton have won four, drawn two and lost three.   Like the Addicks, they don't score many goals at home (eleven versus ten).

Having beaten Nene Valley rivals Peterborough 3-0, the Cobblers went down 3-0 at Rotherham last Saturday.  Sampson said, 'We did not win enough first or second balls.'

Will London designer trainers overcome the more conventional shoes of Northants?   It could well be another dreary draw or perhaps a 1-0 win for either side.

Nathan Jones tries to talk a good game, but the Chicago Addick has mocked the clichés he produces at press conferences.  He may need another page from his Great Big Book of Excuses tomorrow.  There could be a Yuletide disappearance to gladden some Charlton hearts, but somehow I doubt it.  A decision one way or another needs to be taken before the transfer window.

CAS Trust says that we head to Northampton with 'hope in our hearts'.   Perhaps or lead in our shoes?  https://www.castrust.org/2024/12/almost-full-circle-in-the-calendar-year-as-we-head-for-northampton/

Wednesday, 18 December 2024

Green Army's warning for Charlton

Some supporters argue that Charlton's rightful place in the Championship and I can understand their logic.  Plymouth Argyle are a well-run club but they are finding it a struggle (I know that Wayne Rooney is a clown, but the playing budget is limited): https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/2024/12/argyle-do-well-off-pitch.html

Monday, 16 December 2024

Well done Ademola

Former Addick Ademola Lookman has been named African Footballer of the Year.  His unfashionable club Atalanta are currently leading Serie A.  He has scored eleven goals for them this season, including one against Real Madrid, their only defeat so far in the Champions League.   He scored three goals for them in the Europa League final in May.

Atalanta is a mid-budget provincial club. Among the teams competing at the summit of Serie A, they are unique for having returned a profit every year of the past nine.

The striking aspect is that, mostly, they have kept climbing. A would-be superstar now leaves Atalanta thinking twice before he declares he’s upgrading to play more regularly in the Champions League. Atalanta have qualified for the competition more often in the past five years than United, or, for that matter, Tottenham Hotspur, home of Cristian Romero and Dejan Kulusevski, both formerly of Bergamo.


Saturday, 14 December 2024

Bore draw at The Valley

Mansfield ended a run of five straight losses in League One by drawing at Charlton.

The Stags stopped the rot to stay one point above their opponents in the table as the Addicks remained without a win at the Valley since October 5.   Charlton dropped to 14th.

Stags goalkeeper Christy Pym denied Karoy Anderson in the sixth minute after the Charlton midfielder had been played through by Tyreece Campbell.

Mansfield striker Lucas Akins ballooned a close-range chance over in the 27th minute from Frazer Blake-Tracy's delivery from the left.

Conor Coventry's cross on the stroke of half-time was headed straight at Pym by Charlton centre-back Lloyd Jones.

Charlton went close twice around the hour mark – both times through substitute Miles Leaburn.

First he shot past the right post with Campbell once again providing the pass and the pair quickly combined again as the striker's header grazed the upright.

Mansfield's Elliott Hewitt failed to find the target when Aaron Lewis' 63rd-minute cross found him in space 10 yards out, meeting the ball with the outside of his right boot as it looped harmlessly over.

Friday, 13 December 2024

Mansfield not worried about run of poor form

Charlton fans are already wallowing in their Slough of Despond as they anticipate another defeat at home to Mansfield tomorrow.

Mansfield made a superb start to their first League One campaign in 22 years and were fourth in the table at the end of October after losing just two of their opening 11 matches.

However, the Stags have since endured a six-game winless run, losing each of their last five league games, with 1-0 defeats to Wrexham, Bristol Rovers and Wycombe followed by a 3-1 loss at Bolton Wanderers and last weekend's 2-1 home defeat to Huddersfield Town.

The Stags are 10th in the league but bottom of the form table.    Charlton are 16th in the form table and 12th in the actual table.  Mansfield have won four and lost four away from home.  The Addicks have won three, drawn three and lost two at home.

After their defeat at Huddersfield, Nigel Clough emphasised the difficulty of Mansfield playing against ex-Premier League clubs (quite a novel excuse).  He felt that Mansfield deserved a point and said 'The lads have to keep going and keep believing.'

I think that Clough is one of the best coaches in the lower leagues and will no doubt have prepared his time for Charlton's shortcomings such as vulnerability at corners and a belief that the pitch is narrower than is actually the case.

I am poor at making forecasts, but a draw is possible.

CAS Trust note that we have never lost a competitive game against Mansfield, but then encounters have been rare and this one could turn out to be a Stag party: https://www.castrust.org/2024/12/stag-party-or-charlton-cheer-in-saturdays-pre-festive-fixture/

Wednesday, 11 December 2024

A tale of two games

Charlton went down 0-2 to Leyton Orient from two goals in time added on late last night.   Only just over 1,300 witnessed the defeat and some of them may have come through the Blackwall Tunnel.

Fans on socials were dispirited both by the performance and some rather repetitive remarks by coach Nathan Jones afterwards.   Renewed calls were made for his resignation and various names suggested, although there are no firm indications that those in charge (whomsoever they may be) think there is a vacancy.

Leamington v. Rochdale was chosen late for pay per view streaming on global television, but as I had bought my ticket, I decided to go in the freezing cold to Harbury Lane, one fan commenting that I was wrapped up like the abominable snowman.   If you add on those watching the stream, the crowd was bigger than at Charlton.

Unsurprisingly for a former EFL team near the top of the National League, Rochdale were  by far the better football team and won 2-0, but there were no calls for the manager to be sacked after 15 years and home fans congratulated those who had made the long trip south.

There was, however, a very odd celebration when Rochdale scored their opening goal.  Their striker jumped into the crowd and hugged a tree.   The referee didn't see the joke and awarded a yellow card.

I also had the misfortune to have Sid and Doris Bonkers sitting behind me.   The Dale fans in front of me got fed up with their stream of abuse and looked ready to clock them.   I apologised to the Dale fans, saying they were known nutcases and calm was restored.

Cup opponents struggle financially

Many fans assert that Charlton could survive or even flourish in the Championship, but the finances of our cup opponents Preston serve as a warning: https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/2024/12/preston-need-to-do-better-but-few-signs.html

Tuesday, 10 December 2024

Former Addick threatens mayhem

Mansfield are looking to end a five game losing streak when they visit Charlton on Saturday.   Former Addick Deji Oshilaga is full of praise for Charlton, but forecasts a very physical game - so expect northern cloggers and no protection from the referee: https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town-star-deji-oshilaja-relishing-return-to-former-club-charlton-as-stags-aim-to-halt-run-of-defeats-4903247

Tonight Charlton play yet another Blackwell Tunnel derby when they face Leyton Orient in the Vertu trophy.  Confidence is reportedly high in the Orient camp.

I would expect Nathan Jones to use a mix of fringe players and under 21s which seems sensible enough, but if we lose light blue touch paper and retire.

Paradoxically, it might be our best chance of getting to Wembley this year, but there are limits to the extent that we can invest in it.

I see that 'Chopper' Harris is leaving Millwall after his remarks about 'thickos' didn't go down too well with some sections of the support.

Although it is being streamed live, I am off to see Leamington v. Rochdale in the cold of Harbury Lane.

Sunday, 8 December 2024

What is the significance of change in board structure?

A brief announcement from the club states that Gavin Carter has been appointed non-executive chair of the Charlton Athletic board and otherwise the roles of the rest of the board remain unchanged.   (Quite what is the 'Charlton Athletic board' is a moot point, but let's not go there).

Carter is a member of the CAS Trust and did an interview with them earlier in the year, in which he declared his adherence to the 'long haul' philosophy: https://www.castrust.org/2024/02/gavin-carter-its-a-long-term-project/

I don't know what significance to attach to this, as I find Global Football Partners somewhat opaque and I don't have an inside track.   It's a bit like trying to work out the meaning of a change in the Chinese Communist leadership.   Who is a real decision-maker and who is a running dog?

The best I can do is to surmise that it is meant to reassure the fans that a fan is the top honcho.  It may also signal a concern that the long haul is turning out to be longer than the long march.   On balance, it looks positive, but the proof will be what changes.

CAS Trust give a balanced response here, but probably not critical enough for root and branch pessimists: https://www.castrust.org/2024/12/we-need-new-year-resolution/

Lloyd Jones blames players for long ball

Returning from injury and playing 90 minutes at Lincoln, Lloyd Jones says his fellow players are to blame for long ball tactics: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/lloyd-jones-welcomes-positive-draw-at-lincoln-city-and-says-players-take-the-blame-for-recent-long-ball-antics/

Of course he can't criticise the manager publicly, but the return of players like him may well improve the standard of play.

Nathan Jones says he felt that Conor Coventry wasn't fit enough to play at Lincoln: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-explains-conor-coventry-absence-during-draw-at-lincoln-city/

He said he did not name a substitute goalkeeper because he wanted to be 'positive'.   Substitutes were available.  That seems a bit risky to me given that we no longer have a 'Steve Brown' who did well in goal when called upon.

BTW, I don't think Nathan Jones is beyond criticism.   I didn't think Curbs was: he often left substitutions too late to make a difference.  But I do think Jones knows more about football than many of his critics.  Sometimes I think we should just get rid of a coach and let a fans' committee take the decisions.  Many of them think they know what to do: 'if we can see it, why can't he?'

I was conscious when I had two knee replacement operations, but I didn't criticise the surgeon for his technique.   Good job he hadn't learn it on the internet.

Saturday, 7 December 2024

Charlton are a 'work in progress'

Nathan Jones says that he does not set up his teams to play long and that Charlton are a work in progress: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-says-charlton-are-a-work-in-progress-and-he-does-not-set-them-up-to-always-play-long/

Jones also says that if you add in cup games we have won around half our games.   It would be nice if one got points for wins in the EFL trophy.

Nevertheless, pessimists need to be reminded that 12th is not a relegation position.   There is also no vacancy for manager and I do not think the owners are contemplating a change.

Dreary draw

In very poor conditions both sides failed to overcome their poor form at Lincoln. Each team had just one shot on target.  I will take an away point and a clean sheet, but there is plenty of material for moaners.

Maynard-Brewer had to palm the ball away as Lincoln took an early opportunity at the LNER stadium.   It was a good interception by the keeper with no replacement on the bench.  Decent build up play by the Imps won them a corner.   The wind was playing a big part in play, but the home team were on top.  Charlton were unable to maintain any pressure in the Lincoln half.

Charlton made a decent move when Campbell (T) advanced, but Kanu was unable to connect. Subsequently, the Addicks won a corner after a decent passing move.     With 20 minutes gone, Charlton were lacking shots on target.   It was a scrappy affair.

Maynard-Brewer had to save a shot to his left from Moylan.  It was tricky, but lacked power. 

Campbell shot over the bar after being fed by Docherty.   The shot was poor.

Lloyd Jones received a yellow card for a foul.

Charlton got in behind and won a corner around 30 minutes.   It was taken short.   Anderson’s strike took a deflection for a second corner.   Docherty shot over.   It was the best couple of minutes so far.

The Addicks were getting a little more confident in their play.  We were managing to get more players into the opposition half.

Lincoln won a corner.   It was headed away.

Lincoln won another corner after they advanced.   Kanu headed the ball away. 

Neither side had caused the other too many problems.

Attendance 8,307, 652 Addicks.

HT: 0-0

There was a scrappy and slow start to the second half.   The ball was behaving strangely in the wind.  The Lincoln keeper misjudged a cross and had to be rescued by his defence.

Lincoln won a corner, every Charlton player was back.   The corner missed everybody despite being a good ball in.   The Imps made the first substitution of the match on 64 minutes.   Jefferies replaced Ring.

Godden came on as Ahadme was taken off.   Leaburn also came on in place of Kanu.

A Lincoln corner was dealt with by Gillesphey with a good header.   Lincoln threatened again, but Hackett messed up the shot.   The wind was gusting harder in the second half.

The Imps replaced Draper with Cadamarteri (no speaka da English). Edwards came off for Charlton as did Anderson.   Small came on alongside Allan Campbell.

Steve Brown thought that both sides were guilty of unforced errors.

T Campbell put a dangerous ball across the front of goal, but A Campbell could not connect although he evaded his marker.   Hamilton replaced Moylan for Lincoln.

Cadamarteri should have done better, the referee bafflingly awarded a corner.   Gillesphey headed it away.   He was defending set pieces well.

Terry Taylor does well to hold off Reeco Hackett after Wickens' quick long kick.   He's been great for Charlton today.

Lincoln won a corner off Mitchell.   Gillesphey headed away.     Three minutes were added on. 

Man of the Match: Gusting Wind.

Nathan Jones says he was proud of the way his players battled the elements: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-nathan-jones-proud-of-addicks-display-as-they-battle-elements-during-goalless-draw-at-lincoln-city/

 


It never rains but it pours: High Court hearing for Charlton

 Charlton Athletic are being taken to the High Court over an alleged £500,000 debt owed to Paul Elliott, a Manchester-based businessman who attempted to buy the southeast London club in 2020.

The claim, filed on November 29, alleges that Elliott lent the club the sum after agreeing to purchase Charlton from the majority shareholder at the time, East Street Investments (ESI). The loan is said to have subsidised running costs, such as player and staff wages, to avoid the club going into administration and receiving a points deduction that would guarantee their relegation to League One.

The new claim is central to one of the most chaotic and controversial periods in Charlton’s history, reports The Times. After six miserable years under the ownership of the Belgian businessman Roland Duchâtelet, the club were sold to ESI in November 2019. However, just a few months later, the Abu Dhabi-based majority shareholder, Tahnoon Nimer, fell out spectacularly with the chairman, Matthew Southall.

Nimer publicly accused Southall, a former football agent, of using club money to fund a lavish lifestyle, including leasing expensive flats and purchasing a fleet of luxury cars, and said he was withdrawing his financial backing. Southall denied the accusations and claimed Nimer had failed to invest “a single penny of the promised funds” after their takeover was completed.

A consortium led by Elliott subsequently agreed to purchase the club from ESI — a civil court hearing later revealed the fee was just £1 — at the height of the pandemic, when the club’s financial situation was extremely precarious. The club were relegated to League One and there were genuine fears they might collapse. The alleged £500,000 loan is said to have staved off that threat.

However, after Elliott’s consortium failed the EFL’s owners’ and directors’ test, the Danish entrepreneur Thomas Sandgaard acquired the club from ESI in September 2020. Sandgaard claimed the following month that: “Since December or January no money has been put into the club. It was basically running with money from the EFL and some sponsorship money.”

That statement appeared to contradict Elliott’s claim that he had invested £500,000, which will now be challenged in the High Court. It is understood the club had previously acknowledged the loan in correspondence but that an offer to reimburse Elliott was never made.

Charlton were sold again in 2023 to SE7 Partners. The club said they were aware of the claim, which they stressed was related to the previous ownership, and have now referred it to their lawyers.

 

Friday, 6 December 2024

Imps likely to prevail

CAS Trust's comments on tomorrow's fixture at Lincoln have an ecclesiastical theme, but I doubt whether the Almighty will intervene on Charlton's behalf tomorrow: https://www.castrust.org/2024/12/brunch-time-battle-praying-for-victory-in-the-cathedral-city/

I am second from bottom in the Badger Prediction League, but I marked this down as a 2-1 defeat at the beginning of the season.   It might be 3-1 given recent performances, although Charlton can sometimes spring a surprise.

Lincoln are currently 9th in League One with hopes of making the play off places.   They are, however, 18th in the form table, one place below Charlton.   In the FA Cup last Saturday they beat Crawley 4-3 away, something we could not manage at home.

This is our ninth meeting in League One and student journalists remind us that Charlton have won just twice in those encounters: https://thelinc.co.uk/2024/12/preview-lincoln-city-vs-charlton-athletic-league-one/

So let's turn to the aftermath of a likely defeat.   There will be renewed calls for Jones to go, ignoring anyone else who might have some responsibility:

  • The players - we are told they have to be motivated, but they are well-paid professionals.  Once my dentist has collected £90 for entering the practice, he is well motivated to find ways to increase the bill.
  • The 'decision makers' at the club.  They have fancy titles and are presumably rewarded, but the value they add is less clear.
  • The medical staff and physios
  • The rest of the coaching staff, albeit weakened in August.
There will also be forecasts that we will be playing in League Two next season.  All that it requires to stay up is for four teams to be worse than us and this Charlton team is good enough to finish 17th.

Some think the club would disappear, but the 24 clubs currently in League 2 manage to stay afloat as do the former EFL teams that play in the two top tiers of the non-league system.  I don't think the attendance would fall as many predict as we would win more matches.



'It's being so cheerful that keeps me going'

Few readers will remember this catchphrase from the popular Second World War comedy show 'ITMA'. However, if one was looking for the worst moaning supporters in football it would surely be Tottenham Hotspur.   After their 1--0 defeat at Bournemouth last night some of them gave 'direct feedback' to their manager.   I did enjoy beating them at White Hart Lane through a Chris Powell goal (and he was a Spurs fan).

One person I was talking to on Facebook said that all football supporters moan.   This is undoubtedly true, but some moan more than others.   Complaints at my non-league club are relatively few and far between. The manager has been in place for 15 years and has an eye for neglected talent in the non-league system which he then develops and sells on to EFL clubs for a modest fee to them but valuable to a non-league club.   Two home matches over the festive season have been chosen to be shown on domestic and international television, bringing in a useful fee.

Of course, in one sense it doesn't matter so much although it was a huge effort to get the club reborn after 13 years out of existence when the ground was built over.   Physically and socially fans are close to the players (I think Charlton fans were closer to the side put together by Curbs).   The lino can be asked whether his mum knows he is there or if he has finished his homework.  

The club relies heavily on volunteers: for example, I write for each programme and coordinate a fund raising club that gives access to a half time 'lounge' (all right, it is a portakabin but the tea and biscuits are very welcome at half time).

Above all, fans have a realistic understanding of what is possible with the current 'stadium' and funds (the local Council has promised to build an EFL standard stadium, but this is increasingly looking like a mirage).

At least we own our current ground and the training 'pitch' which is more than can be said at Charlton and remains an albatross round our neck.

More about the Lincoln game and a  likely defeat later.

Thursday, 5 December 2024

A cause for celebration

We have been preoccupied in recent days with the exhaustive and exhausting debate about whether Nathan Jones should go - it is pleasing to see the Chicago Addick argue convincingly that there are some other guilty but very low profile men who must take some responsibility for the present mess.

Today is Back To The Valley day when we celebrate our return to our spiritual home.  The years that followed were heartening ones as we rebuilt the stadium and the team.  Remember Target 10,000? All leading up to the Greatest Day.

Coincidentally, I met my late wife on 5th December, obviously decades before.   She came from Thornton Heath, although her first job was in Woolwich.   Her father was Palace, but she soon became Addickted.

It's over a century now since my father starting supporting Charlton, encouraged by cousin Ted.   As an apprentice, he didn't have much money, but earned pennies for admission by looking after horses while deliveries were made.

And there the line dies out.   Our youngest did come to the Greatest Game, but is not a football fan.

My great-granddaughter lives in Spain and is thriving although puzzled by the fact that people around her speak three languages: English, Spanish and Valencian (Catalan).


Calp could call themselves sons of the rock like Dumbarton - incidentally local dialect omits the final e

Her local team would be Calp, but they had an unfortunate incident a few years back when the police staged a raid during a game and removed several illegal immigrants from the pitch.

Her mum (my granddaughter) has said she wants to go and see Real Madrid (the travel time wouldn't be much greater than that from Warwickshire to The Valley).

Getting a ticket is another issue.   I have had dinner there.  I also had an audience with the current king (then crown prince) at his palace outside Madrid.   My photo with him impresses local Galician tradesmen, but it won't get a ticket to the Bernebau.

Wednesday, 4 December 2024

I have come over all Acworth!

Jonathan Acworth hasn't been heard of for some time, but he was always recommending non-league players when we were in the Premier League.

However, the gap between League 1 and the non-league is not that great.  The top two tiers of the non-league system contains many talented players who were let go by top division academies.

Charlton could have had Colby Bishop for a song when he went to Accrington.  Now he is a leading player at Portsmouth.

Having grown up with Sam Bartram, I always believed in building from the back.   In my view neither of our current keepers meets the standards required.

I wasn't able to go to my non-league cup game last night as I was listening to the dross from The Valley. However,, our excellent keeper Callum 'The Hawk' Hawkins (signed from Burton Albion) was substituted just before the penalty shoot out.  The Academy keeper then won the shoot out.   Bring on Rochdale on Saturday.

Jas Singh at Tamworth is another non-league keeper I rate, but he has a good day job in insurance.

Rather than spending money on compensating Nathan Jones, I would splash out on a quality keeper.

Tuesday, 3 December 2024

Lacklustre Charlton fail to take off

It looked as if substitute Kanu might have saved Charlton total embarrassment against Gatwick Airport at The Valley this evening with a well-taken equaliser in the second half, but a goal keeping error by Maynard-Brewer let Crawley back into the game.

The Addicks had a half chance from a corner, but Campbell couldn’t get his foot on the ball.

Six minutes were added on to no avail, although Jones had come on.    It was all a bit scrappy.  Rob Elliot was booked.  A late corner was the last opportunity. 

It was a cold evening in SE7, a small crowd and a flat game that lacked quality with the visitors going ahead in the first half through Swan.  They had three former Addicks in their starting line-up, as well as the visiting manager.

Charlton were booed off at half time with some boos directed at manager Nathan Jones as he went down the tunnel.

Steve Brown said that the right team won, it was another lacklustre performance by Charlton.   Nathan Jones was booed by the Covered End as he applauded them.

Charlton remain 12th in a tight table, but just four points above a relegation position.

The Addicks had eleven shots, but just three on target, as against six for Crawley.   They won three corners to zero, but were unable to make use of them.   Crawley had the edge in possession.

A long-term fan from SE7 now living in South-West London commented: 'The question with NJ is does he have a plan to improve things that the owners have bought into. Do they trust him with their money? I cant see any plan. Its tinker, tinker, no idea of the best team and tactics. Not a fan of constantly changing manager but this can’t continue.'

In his post match remarks, Nathan Jones was in Welsh windbag mode, lots to say, but no real explanation to offer: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/it-was-an-edgy-night-nathan-jones-on-charlton-athletic-fans-dishing-out-the-boos-after-loss-to-crawley-town/

He might like to consider taking the walk outside the tent, but I don't think he will.   He is stubborn and would be due substantial compensation if removed.

As always, my question is, who is the quality manager who would want to take over?

Is Crawley full of Nigels?

My brother-in-law lives in Crawley and says he has no interest in football.   In fact I think he is Palace like his father which is entirely consistent with having no interest in football.

This led me to the thought that there may be quite a lot of Nigels (and Nigellas) in Crawley who have left the delights of Croydon behind after obtaining employment at Gatwick Airport.   If they are behind the check in desk, they can levy extra charges on anyone with a Brighton post code.  They might then have Crawley as a second team after Palace.

Crawley are finding life in League One a bit of struggle    They are currently 20th in the table, but are 9th in the form table while we are 17th,

Crawley's manager is one time Addick Rob Elliiot, back from the north-east and he was critical of his side's performance last Saturday in the FA Cup when they lost 3-4 at home: https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/24766112.rob-elliot-laments-poor-goals-crawley-town-exit-fa-cup/

It should be noted that seven of the players who won the play off final have left.

Pessimists say that the victory at Walsall was irrelevant, but it might have given the team some much needed confidence.   Three points tonight might move us into the top half of the table, but I am nervous about the outcome.

Monday, 2 December 2024

Cup tie lacks glamour but has its upside

Away to Preston North End is hardly a glamorous tie, but we might be able to win on penalties.   Preston are third from bottom in the Championship form table and have drawn five of their home games (won two, lost three).

I have been there with Charlton and it's a neat ground with good sightlines.  As for getting there by train being easy, it should be in principle but in practice the railways are an advert for broken Britain, only the Bundesbahn is worse.  Rick Everitt found himself in the company of a fox at St. Pancras after the Huddersfield game.  No way is it a case of letting the train take the strain.

Tottenham Hotspur have a tough task at Tamworth.  Jas Singh is an outstanding goalkeeper, but remains part-time as he has a lucrative day job.   It's a very tight ground and I watched their first round game on television.

I dreaded getting Dagenham & Redbridge.   When we were in the Premier League we drew 1-1 with them at home, Salako rescuing us with a goal.  We then had to go their grotty ground and just managed to win 1-0.  Curbs told me later that they had given us a 'torrid time'.

As the Dags are something of a second team for some West Ham supporters, the visit to Millwall should be interesting.

The key point is that if we lose to Preston there won't be headlines about our 'humiliation', although it will provide material for the moaners on social media.

BTW, Preston have been up for sale for over a year but no bidders have emerged.

Kevin Nolan

 Rick Everitt has written a heartfelt tribute to the Charlton legend: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/he-knew-the-game-and-had-a-great-gift-for-story-telling-a-tribute-to-charlton-athletic-reporting-stalwart-kevin-nolan/

Sunday, 1 December 2024

You couldn't make it up

Leading Millwall fan Danny Baker has complained that photos displaying Gregg Wallace's Millwall tattoo are damaging the reputation of the club.  Cue an intervention by Rod Liddle or one of the other charm merchants that supports them.

Quite a few fans have said they would like to seen us drawn at home to Millwall in the FA Cup, but our record against them is not good.   We have done better against Palace (recalling the Fortune goal).  Someone like Stoke City at home would give us a chance.   My nightmare is Tamworth away.  Among top clubs I would like Tottenham Hotspur who could go all 'Spursy'.

Fans praised the contribution made by Terry Taylor in midfield at Walsall and Nathan Jiones was asked if he would make more use of him: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-asked-if-he-can-see-terry-taylor-and-conor-coventry-starting-more-games-together-after-impressing-at-walsall/ 

The Gasman has said that the gesture from his teammates at Walsall meant a lot: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/gassan-ahadme-on-teammates-gesture-following-win-at-walsall-it-meant-a-lot/

It has been pointed out that his goals were scored against a League Two club, albeit it one in 2nd place and with excellent home form.   I am pleased to see any Charlton player finding form, even if has meant training with the legendary barn door in Kent.

'Matt's my boy'

Nathan Jones has taken on his critics by arguing that Matt Godden is a worthy replacement for Alfie May: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-praises-gassan-ahadme-double-and-says-matty-godden-is-answering-questions-raised-by-alfie-may-departure/

May has scored fewer goals than Godden this season, although this may in part reflect his appearances for the Blues.

Jones explained that he didn't want to take a risk with Leaburn yesterday and had news about players returning: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-explains-why-miles-leaburn-sat-out-charlton-win-at-walsall-and-gives-positive-update-on-another-absentee/

Saturday, 30 November 2024

Nolan passing overshadows Cup win

The news of the passing of Charlton journalist (and many other things) Kevin Nolan overshadowed today's decisive 4-0 FA cup win at Walsall.   The word 'legend' is overused, but it applied to him.  I didn't have the privilege of knowing him personally, but the tributes have been rolling in.   Rick Everitt, who did know him, will be writing an appreciation tomorrow.

It was an unlikely combination of 'useless' players who put the Addicks ahead at the Bescot.  Conor Coventry provided a cross which was firmly headed into the net by the Gasman.

Matt Godden then took advantage of a sloppy back pass to make it 0-2 with a tap in.

Walsall came out in the second half determined to unsaddle Charlton and did apply some pressure which the Addicks withstood.

The Gasman then put the game largely beyond doubt without another header.

The final goal came in time added on from another criticised player Tyreece Campbell.   He swept home from inside the area.

Charlton players pushed the Gasman towards the away fans to salute them.

Pessimists were quick to respond with the comment that we had now found our level at last: League Two.

It would be nice to have a glamour tie, but we will probably end up away to Morecambe.

Friday, 29 November 2024

Goodbye Chuks?

A clickbait site is predicting that Chuks Aneke will be let go in the new year.   He has scored some vital goals for us, not least as a super sub, but he has been plagued by injuries.  We need to strengthen the squad and reducing the wage bill is one way of doing that, although there are other players that could also be given a single ticket from New Eltham.

There are limits to sentiment in football, but I hope that he gets a decent settlement to help him on his way, possibly through insurance?  Thanks for all your efforts.

Management matters

First a Christmas reading recommendation.   Neil Carter's book The Football Manager: a History is currently available on Abe Books for just over £6.  Not only does it trace the evolution of the role over time, it  has also has a lot of Charlton content as he drew substantially on the Jimmy Seed archive (and provided me with copies of parts of it).

I was hoping to set up a poll on the future of Nathan Jones, but the online survey tools are now a lot more expensive if one wants a decent response rate.   Apologies for that.

One fan actually made a sensible suggestion of a plausible successor yesterday: Mark Robins.   Quite why Stratford upon Avon businessman Doug King sacked the popular manager is unclear.  His explanation was that he had fallen out with his No.2, but that lacks all credibility.   If it was the league position, why didn't he say so?  'Our doubts are our traitors' as the Bard of Avon said.

In any event it appears that Robins is going to stay in the Championship with Hull City while the Sky Blues have appointed Frank Lumphard who is 'seeking redemption' as a manager.   Good players are not necessarily good managers and average players are often the best managers.

Anyway on to Walsall.  The current over emphasis on managers in football has a lot to do with the rise of electronic games in my view so that fans come to believe that the manager is really pushing buttons to move the players around the pitch.

The Chicago Addick has called for 'width, more width' and he may well be right.  At least we should use the FA Cup game to give some of our younger promising players a chance to show what they can do even if it means giving up on the £75,000 prize money.

The Saddlers are currently second in League Two, having won five, lost one and drawn one at the Bescot which is, of course, alongside the M6. (Be warned that the junction for  it coming from the south is a rather dangerous 'scissors' merge).

Walsall see Charlton as a scalp waiting to be taken but Jones is strangely confident: https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/2024/11/29/charlton-athletic-eager-to-build-on-recent-win-ahead-of-walsall-fa-cup-tie/

CAS Trust take heart from the fact that we have been unbeaten in our last nine encounters with Walsall (of course, we could draw and lose on penalties): https://www.castrust.org/2024/11/635751/

I forecast that Charlton will be unsaddled 2-1.

One of my treasured memories of the time when we were a successful club was 4-2 evening win at Walsall (12 wins in a row) and the report is still worth a read: https://addicksdiary3.blogspot.com/2017/09/remembering-key-victory-at-walsall.html

Wednesday, 27 November 2024

Should Jones go?

It's difficult to work out whether the calls for Nathan Jones to be replaced come from a vocal minority or an exasperated majority?   I am looking at some new software to see if I can create a survey.

Names that have been mentioned as replacements include Chris Powell, Lee Bowyer and Johnnie Jackson.   I doubt whether the first two would return.   I agree with those who argue that Jackson was let go too quickly, but he is now settled at the Wombles.

The squad really needs to be strengthened, but getting value for money in January is really difficult.  It is all very well to call for 'ambition' when it is someone else's money that is being spent.   However, there may be chances in the loan market: I know we have had some real dross, but there have been one or two successes (Rak-Sakyi).

I do think that the whole financial structure of football is turning against clubs like Charlton and while I support the idea of a regulator, I do not think it will change things fundamentally.    Even in the second tier of non-league there are full time teams and de facto nursery clubs.

BTW, those who argue that Charlton are little better than non-league haven't seen much football at that level recently (perhaps excluding National League tier 1).

I am less confident than some that I know the answers, although I think that Peter Varney is right to say that we need to resolve 'structural' issues at the club.

For the last ten years of my career I was largely working on life science projects and one leading life scientist told me, 'I know that everything I know is wrong.'   For example, Darwin's account of evolution is now seen as flawed   (This doesn't mean that dinosaurs were here 6,000 years ago).   I think that also applies to football as the way the game is played, the technology and the financial structure are all changing.   Clubs like Charlton risk being left behind.

Commiserations to 2,000 Millwall fans after the floodlights failed at Portsmouth.  Someone forgot to top up the prepayment meter.

Tuesday, 26 November 2024

Three points away, but performance disappoints

Charlton moved to 12th in the League One table tonight after a 1-0 win over bottom club Burton Albion, but the performance gave vocal moaners a narrative.   Some of the complaints seem to focus on Jones being Welsh, and call for 'real Charlton people' to get involved which could be code for Lee Bowyer.

Much criticised player Conor Coventry’s first goal for Charlton was enough to see off 10-man Burton and give the Addicks a first win in six games.

Coventry finally broke the Brewers’ resistance with eight minutes to go, firing home the loose ball after Max Crocombe had saved twice with Albion under pressure after the sending-off of charm merchant midfielder Charlie Webster.

A lacklustre first half saw Charlton have the better of the chances but lack a serious cutting edge in the final third.  Charlton had far more shots and shots on target across the game, but possession was equally divided.

Miles Leaburn had two opportunities, one of which forced Crocombe into a comfortable save and Karoy Anderson also managed to send an attempt on target without seriously troubling the Burton stopper.  This was perhaps no surprise to his many critics.

The home side looked threatening when they could get midfielder Webster into advanced areas, but it was Tomas Kalinauskas who went close for Albion early in the second half with a low shot that Ashley Maynard-Brewer had to get down well to save.

Webster saw red for his reaction to being hauled down by Terry Taylor leaving the Brewers with an uphill task, with Burton unable to hold on for a point.

I am grateful to CAFC Facts and Stats for pointing out: 'Charlton Athletic’s first league win in 6 games last night and brings up the same number of points gained after this many games played for the 3rd season in a row.'

I know nothing!

Some fans are once again calling for a change of manager, but our greatest success has been with managers who have served for long periods.  Of course, there is no point in retaining a manager who is not good enough.   However, there are not many quality managers available who want to come to Charlton with its 'structural' problems and demanding fans.

Given the confidence that many fans have in their own judgment, perhaps we should revive the idea of a fans' consultant, although Jonathan Acworth seems to have disappeared from view.

I have been watching football for over 70 years and I realise that I know very little.   For a start I never see the team training.   I was unable to go to a non-league game recently and listened to the radio commentary instead.  Both the commentator and the analyst were first rate (better than Charlton) and having listened to them I understood some of the tactics.


Gone for a Burton?

It's a long time since we demolished Burton Albion at The Valley in the FA Cup and now they are playing at their dinky ground which is some way outside the home of brewing.   Congratulations to any Addicks who make the trip.   I fear a humiliating draw against the bottom club.

They have won just once at home and lost five times so Charlton are lambs to the slaughter (ok, the Lambs are down the road at Tamworth).

Burton went down 0-3 at home to Stockport on Saturday, but the Hatters are a good team.  Interim head coach Tom Hounsell admitted that they ended up defending for most of the first half which should be less of a problem against the Addicks,.  He added, 'I was also really disappointed with some of the performances out of possession.'    We know about that as well.

A defeat will lead intensity to the calls for Nathan Jones to be dismissed, but is there anyone of quality who would want the job?   The players are not good enough and the fans are known throughout football for their excessive expectations.

Since we were in the Premier League the financial structure of football has changed radically and you need to be a multi-billionaire to fund a club at that level.   The Championship has been distorted by parachute payments, although they now look like being phased out.

I know that Millwall do quite well there, but  let's face it The New Den is a more intimidating place to visit than The Valley and I rate 'Chopper' Harris.

Monday, 25 November 2024

What's it like playing in a pub league?

Charlton fans sometimes assert that League One is a pub or crap league, so it was interesting to read in yesterday's Football League Paper what two newly promoted managers think.

Gareth Ainsworth forged Wycombe Wanderers into a League One force and indeed, somewhat to my surprise, they are currently chairing the division.

Ainsworth has now taken on the unenviable task of reviving Shropshire's finest and he made a first rate start against moneybags club Birmingham City on Saturday.

Ainsworth says: 'Over the years, this division has probably run away from the smaller clubs. League One has got stronger and stronger over the years.   Some of the money that's in League One now .... [it] has really gone crazy with its finances.'

Mansfield's Nigel Clough is approaching 1,500 games as a manager.  He has noticed the jump in standard from League Two.  'It's exactly as we thought it would be - a step up from last season without a doubt.  There are some very good teams.  It's the quality of the players, especially the forwards, it's the quality of everything.'

So is the third tier now a 'rich man's playground' as the FLP claims?   And what does that mean for clubs like Charlton?


Sunday, 24 November 2024

Roland's network model was copied but is now losing favour

Barmy Belgian Roland Duchatelet can at least claim to be ahead of the curve in terms of the concept of international networks of clubs, but it is now running into increasing trouble with regulators with the latest victim being a minority shareholder in Crystal Palace: https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/2024/11/nothing-to-see-here-says-owner-of-top.html

Drifting on a raging Welsh river

Shell shocked supremo Nathan Jones admits that Charlton are 'drifting' at the moment: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-concede-first-for-a-fifth-game-in-a-row-nathan-jones-answers-question-about-recent-slow-starts/

Former chief executive and supporter Peter Varney has said that changing manager again would be pointless without 'structural' changes at The Valley.

Alex Mitchell says that it is 'crazy' how good the away support is, but puts down recent poor form to 'lazy' defending: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-centre-half-alex-mitchell-lazy-defending-is-costing-us-goals/

I wouldn't have thought that a football pitch was a venue for being lazy, but what do I know?

The Football League Show said this morning that Charlton was 'out of sorts' so perhaps a traditional remedy like Andrews Liver Salts would do the trick.

At least we can focus on the Vertu Cup.  I am not sure why it is no longer 'the Bristols', although my experience of Bristol Street Motors was that they charged a small fortune for repairs.

Leaburn 'cramped up'

Miles Leaburn limped off at Huddersfield, but Nathan Jones has tried to reassure supporters that it was not a recurrence of his injury: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-clears-up-miles-leaburn-substitution-after-forward-limps-out-of-defeat-at-huddersfield/ 

If he does require a few days treatment, it will be company for Chuks Aneke.

Saturday, 23 November 2024

10 man Charlton lose 2-1

As expected, Charlton were defeated 2-1 at Huddersfield today, but their cause wasn't helped when captain Greg Docherty got himself sent off on 37 minutes.   Many of the 900 or so Addicks there seemed to think it was a harsh call, but a second half goal from the home side cancelled out an equalising penalty from Matt Godden.

Louis Mendez comments: ‘Ten men battled away but lack of quality in front of goal stopped them from stealing a point. Leaburn and Ahadme both came close but Addicks were always up against it. Two wins in 12 now.’

The Gasman missed a sitter from four yards out on 75 minutes.

Nathan Jones got a yellow card for protesting about delays to a free kick.  Huddersfield had 67 per cent possession and six shots on target to one.

Centre-back Matty Pearson put Huddersfield ahead, putting a difficult header in off the underside of the bar. Pearson struck the bar again from another set-piece five minutes later, but this time it came back out.

Brodie Spencer's clumsy challenge on former Huddersfield team-mate Rarmani Edmonds-Green gave Charlton a penalty that Matty Godden put away for 1-1.

But the Addicks were reduced to 10 men four minutes later, with Greg Docherty earning a straight red card for a high, late boot on Nigel Lonwijk.

The Addicks nonetheless started the second half brightly before Huddersfield woke up around the hour and made their advantage count, with David Kasumu smashing home a left-footed drive from 18 yards.

Charlton tried to find a last-second equaliser from a quickly-taken free-kick, but Huddersfield goalkeeper Jacob Chapman showed awareness to race off his line and ensure victory with a clean challenge on Luke Berry.

Those travelling back to London by train seem to have had a grim journey, although helpful staff at Derby provided fanzine editor Rick Eveiitt with a taxi to London.   Of course, Everitt still had to return to his Kent coast lair and reported at 5 a.m. that he was sharing the concourse at St. Pancras with a lazy brown fox (not the Leicester City variety).

Nathan Jones says that the sending off changed the game, which it may well have done, but at least he didn't claim it was unfair.  In terms of today's rules that was a red card: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-red-card-shown-to-greg-docherty-during-loss-at-huddersfield-changed-the-game/

Although Jones says he is weighing up his options for an appeal against the red card, hopefully he is not going to waste time and money: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-manager-nathan-jones-will-weigh-up-options-to-appeal-greg-dochertys-red-card-at-huddersfield/

BTW, China calls me 'Whine' Grant which is appropriate for a Charlton fan: https://addickschampionshipdiary.blogspot.com/2024/11/why-they-call-me-whine.html


Thursday, 21 November 2024

It could be grim 'oop North

It's been a strange week weather wise for late November.  My non-league club's first live televised match was snowed off on Tuesday.   There was much annoyance from Spanish fans who had already paid €10 in ignorance of British weather.

What the Star is calling 'Dirty Bertie' this morning could pose problems for tomorrow's game at Huddersfield.  I don't think it will be called off, but travel from the south could be difficult.

High winds could be an issue on the motorway.   The journey from the motorway to Bruddersfield is on a poor A road across high ground and snow is still possible.

These games are important to the band of loyal Addicks who live 'oop North.

Moaners are fond of calling League One a 'pub' league, but I have not seen any pub teams with the resources of the Blues and Wrexham.   Huddersfield and Bolton are one time Premier League clubs.

At home Huddersfield have won five and lost just two.  They are second in the form table whereas Charlton are lower mid-table.   A defeat looks likely and may bring out the first calls of 'this is relegation form' and 'we will be playing in League 2 next season.'

Huddersfield do have some injury problems, but they are probably exaggerating them for alibi reasons: https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/really-really-frustrating-untimely-injury-blow-for-huddersfield-town-midfielder-4877955

CAS Trust take heart from our record in cold weather against Huddersfield: https://www.castrust.org/2024/11/raising-our-game-by-a-couple-of-degrees/

I have seen a couple of good away wins there, but those were when Curbs was in charge.

Tuesday, 19 November 2024

Who is your scapegoat player?


Keith Jones, to whom I dedicated a book

Charlton fans like to have a scapegoat player.  My father used to think that 'Squib' Hammond was not up to much, but I thought he played his part in the midfield engine room.

I remember when it was Keith Jones whose kit I sponsored. People objected to him passing the ball sideways, but he was supposed to be a defensive midfielder.  When he stepped up to take his penalty at the Greatest Game people around me shouted 'Not him', but he scored.

In his latest blog, the Chicago Addick assesses Conor Coventry who was an unused substitute for Ireland in their 5-0 defeat.

However, perhaps it is the Gasman who has disappointed most this season.   Here a fan analyst [?] discusses his contribution: https://soccer4u.co.uk/?p=12255

Friday, 15 November 2024

Looking on the bright side of life

A recent football crossword had the clue 'embarrassment' and the answer was 'Tottenham'.   No doubt some Charlton fans would suggest that our club might be the answer.

Having enjoyed last night's England win, I have some non-league excitement to look forward to.  Tomorrow Leamington's manager celebrates 15 years in charge at a FA trophy game.   Next Tuesday sees the first home match live on television (v. Chester).  Then next Saturday it is Scunthorpe United at home.

At the moment, even though the standard is lower, I am enjoying non-league football more.  There is less  moaning and a lot more jovial banter.   And it is possible for the individual fan to make a difference. The chairman rang up and asked if I could pay for new drainage on the training pitch and I was happy to send him the readies.   The same four figure sum would have been a drop in the ocean at Charlton/

But then if you are a born and bred Charlton fan, you expect to suffer.

Wednesday, 13 November 2024

Jones sent off in 'Bristols' clash

Charlton beat Bromley 1-0 with a Leaburn goal last night in what Louis Mendez insists on calling the 'Bristols'?   Doesn't he know his rhyming slang or is he just winding us up?

Somewhat bizarrely, Nathan Jones was sent off, although apparently it only applies to this competition.  Louis Mendez explains: 'Adjudged to have touched the ball whilst it was in play. It was going out, nearly was out, and there wasn't anyone near it to try and keep it in but them appears to be the rules.'

Somewhat surprisingly there were nearly 3,000 there, but in large part this was because of a big turnout of Bromley supporters. Charlton fans in the West Stand had to cope with just one catering outlet open.

So we end up top of the Bristol Street Motors Southern Group C with nine points out of nine. Hardly a great achievement, but a win is a win and we might be able to progress.

Former Charlton chief executive Peter Varney commented: 'It usually takes a few matches for a young player to find his feet when moved up to the first team and it can be quite a nerve racking appearance on debut. In that context I was excited by Kai Enslin’s performance in the BSM Charlton v Bromley cup match on Tuesday evening. He showed pace, was not shy to tackle, constantly demanded the ball from teammates and made intelligent runs. Definitely one for the future.'

BTW, I am no fan of Shropshire's finest, but they have made a shrewd appointment in Gareth Ainsworth. I wouldn't have minded him at Charlton.


Sunday, 10 November 2024

My glass looks half empty

Greg Docherty says that he shares fans' frustrations at poor performances and bring out the 'It's a long old season' cliché: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-captain-greg-docherty-says-he-shares-fans-frustration-at-recent-results/

I'm a glass half full guy, but increasingly it looks half empty.   To those who think sacking the manager is the answer, is there a long queue of qualified individuals wanting the poisoned chalice?

Will Mannion is the latest on the injury list of 10, at least the postponement of the Peterborough game may give some of them the chance to recover: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-goalkeeper-will-mannion-added-to-ever-growing-injury-list/

I wish we had some reliable comparative statistics on injuries at different clubs.

Saturday, 9 November 2024

Dismal defeat in Devon

To stay in touch with the play off places, Charlton needed to win at Exeter City today but they handed the Grecians a 1-0 win and their first clean sheet in five games.

It was a poor performance and one fan who was there felt it was season defining although it was still only November.

There was a lot of hoofing the ball in the air, one might expect that in non-league but not in League One.

Tristan Crama scored the only goal of the game in Exeter’s League One win over Charlton.

The on-loan Brentford defender, who turned 23 on Friday, was outstanding in keeping the Addicks at bay and then scored the only goal of the game with a superb header to settle an even contest between the two promotion hopefuls.

Charlton started well with Matty Godden heading straight at Exeter goalkeeper Joe Whitworth but chances were largely at a premium in a cagey first half.

The second half started with Conor Coventry placing a shot just wide of the upright from a smart free kick move for the Addicks, while Ilmari Niskanen saw a shot deflect into the side-netting with Charlton goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer rooted to the spot.

That led to Exeter’s 13th corner of the game and this time, in the 59th minute, Crama got across his man to guide a brilliant header into the net from Ed Francis’ delivery.

Charlton had a glorious chance to level when former Addick Ben Purrington sold Whitworth short with a back header but Godden dragged his shot wide of the upright from 15 yards.

Alex Mitchell also headed a great chance wide as Charlton laid siege to the Exeter goal but they could not force the ball home

Nathan Jones slammed the first half performance but thought the second half was better: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-slams-first-half-performance-at-exeter-but-feels-charlton-side-were-really-good-after-the-interval/

Just a shame we couldn't take our chances.

Louis Mendez reviews the game, pointing out that once again the Addicks had difficulty in exercising control over it for any length of time: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-exeter-city-1-charlton-athletic-0-addicks-edged-out-at-st-james-park-as-concern-grows-over-lack-of-wins/

Monday, 4 November 2024

Supremo's warning

Charlton will fail to achieve their objectives this season unless they tighten up at the back, warns Nathan Jones: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-boss-nathan-jones-warns-side-they-will-fail-in-season-objectives-unless-they-tighten-up-at-the-back/

We also need more consistent firepower up front and a creative midfield.

Sunday, 3 November 2024

Last gasp win in Cup

Charlton are in the 2nd round of the FA Cup after a last gasp extra time victory at Southend United.  Moaners complained about a struggle against a non-league outfit, but like most National League sides the  Shrimpers are full time and the gap between the National League and the EFL has narrowed.

Gassan Ahadme scored a last-gasp extra-time winner as Charlton Athletic escaped with a thrilling 4-3 FA Cup win at National League side Southend.

Miles Leaburn and Zach Mitchell, scoring his first Charlton goal, had put the Addicks in control during the first half.   Leaburn headed home a left wing cross from Josh Edwards after just nine minutes.  Mitchell nodded in a left wing free from Terry Taylor on 40 minutes.

The Addicks wasted a golden chance to go 3-0 ahead with skipper Matty Godden firing a shot against the crossbar when he was clean through on goal with only the keeper to beat.

But their non-league opponents fought back through a Jack Bridge penalty on the stroke of half time and Oliver Coker’s 52nd-minute strike.

Matty Godden put Charlton back in front midway through the second half, sliding the ball in from close range.

But Joshua Edwards’ own goal in stoppage time sent the tie to extra time.  Louis Mendez thinks it went in off Gillesphey.

However, it was Charlton’s turn to strike in time added-on when Ahadme sent the Addicks into round two following a mix up in the home defence.

Full report from Louis Mendez here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-southend-united-3-charlton-athletic-4-addicks-scrape-into-next-round-of-the-fa-cup-after-roots-hall-thriller/

Nathan Jones expresses his relief and says 'we have to be better': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-expresses-masses-of-relief-as-charlton-athletic-edge-beyond-non-league-southend-the-hard-way-in-the-fa-cup/

Friday, 1 November 2024

Shrimpers claim they face 'tough test'

Southend Umted's boss is disappointed to be deprived of the chance of a lucrative replay at The Valley.  I suppose it could go to penalties tomorrow: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/southend-boss-disappointed-by-removal-of-fa-cup-replay-chance-with-charlton-athletic-first-round-opponents/

Charlton are beset by injuries and once again questions have raised about our medical/fitness staff.  However, Manchester City have just 13 fit players at the moment.  Our real problem is a lack of quality in  depth.

Players' union Fifpro have started a legal action against Fifa because they think that players are asked to play too many matches to the detriment of their fitness.